ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Fort Hays State bounced back from a series-opening loss with a 12-6 win over Lindenwood on Saturday at the Lou Brock Sports Complex. A six-run second inning propelled the Tigers to the victory, evening the three-game series at one win a piece. FHSU moved to 17-17 overall and 11-12 in the MIAA, while Lindenwood dropped to 14-18 overall, 8-15 in the MIAA.

After Lindenwood scored two runs in the first, the Tigers took a lead for the first time in the series by scoring six in the second. A Connor Ross triple triggered the six-run rally and he came in to score on a Joe Mapes single. A two-RBI double by Nick Hammeke pushed the Tigers into the lead, 3-2. Trevor Hughes and Hammeke each scored on passed balls and Alex Weiss added an RBI single.

Lindenwood inched its way back into the game with a run in the second and two in the fourth to make it 6-5. But the Tigers pushed their lead to three with a run each in the sixth and seventh. Austin Unrein had an RBI single and Hammeke drove in another run on a fielder’s choice.

Lindenwood added one more run in the eighth, cutting the Tiger lead to 8-6, but FHSU put the game away with four runs in the ninth. The first run scored on a wild pitch, then Hammeke drew a bases loaded walk, his fourth RBI of the game. Ty Redington had an RBI single and Caleb Cherryholmes added an RBI on a fielder’s choice.

Kyle Voft threw four innings in his start, allowing five runs (two earned) on eight hits and three walks. He struck out four. Jackson Rolfs threw 3 13 strong innings of relief to earn the win. He allowed just two hits and walked one with four strikeouts, while holding the Lions scoreless. Giles Fox added 1 2/3 innings to earn his fourth save of the year, allowing a run on three hits.

Geoff Hartlieb took the loss for Lindenwood, going 5.0 innings in his start. He allowed seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and five walks with a strikeout.

The final game of the three-game series will begin at 12 pm on Sunday.